In medieval times, gatekeepers were entrusted with protecting city entrances from external threats and ensuring that only authorized individuals gained access. In today’s hospitality industry, hotel professionals occupy a similar strategic position as the first point of contact between a nation and its visitors. Their attitude, conduct, and service delivery often shape the first impression tourists have about a destination, making them critical stakeholders in defining a country’s image and visitor experience.
For Olugbenga Sunday, Convener of the Hotel Managers Conference Africa, hospitality gatekeeping extends far beyond customer service; it represents a transformative force capable of reshaping Africa’s tourism and hospitality narrative.
Speaking on *Villa Square*, a special segment of *Cr8tive 9ja*, the popular weekly tourism and cultural magazine programme aired every Thursday on Mainland 98.3 FM Lagos and anchored by renowned tourism journalist Frank Meke alongside Bunmi Bade Adeniji, Sunday emphasized the indispensable role of hospitality in the tourism value chain across Africa.
According to him, the hospitality sector significantly influences tourists’ experiences and ultimately determines how destinations are perceived globally.
“When we discuss tourism at the national level, we must prioritize the hospitality sector because of the critical role it plays in shaping the overall tourism experience. Hospitality professionals serve as the interface between a country and its visitors, and their service delivery greatly influences tourists’ perceptions and the image of the nation,” he stated.
The Hotel Managers Conference Africa, regarded as the continent’s largest gathering of hotel managers and hospitality professionals, is scheduled to hold from July 11 to 12 at Lagos Continental Hotel. This year’s edition marks the eighth outing of the conference since its establishment.
Founded in 2016 in Akwa Ibom State, the conference experienced a temporary disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic but has since grown into a leading platform promoting innovation, professionalism, and service excellence within Africa’s hospitality industry.
Sunday explained that the conference was created to equip hotel operators and managers with global best practices while fostering collaboration across the sector.
“The conference features workshops, networking opportunities, and extensive discussions on guest experience, which remains at the heart of hospitality,” he said.
“You cannot talk about hospitality without discussing guest experience. Guest experience is about service delivery, how you make customers feel, and the lasting impression guests leave with after interacting with your brand.”
The two-day conference will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions designed to elevate hotel service delivery across Africa to international standards.
Beyond its business objectives, Sunday noted that the conference seeks to create sustainable impact by raising service standards, strengthening industry capacity, and building a legacy for future generations of hospitality professionals. Participants will also engage with leading stakeholders, hospitality executives, and hotel managers from across the continent.
Among the distinguished speakers expected at the event are Wasiu Adeyemo Babalola, Nigeria’s first Professor of Hotel Management and Tourism and an academic at Atiba University; Karl Hala; Ahmed Raza; Justina Ovat; and Martin Bredenoord, among other industry experts.
The conference has also attracted support from major corporate stakeholders, including [OPay]. According to Sunday, the fintech company is working towards developing payment infrastructure solutions that will better integrate the hospitality industry into its platform. He noted that such partnerships would help address payment-related challenges within the sector while improving operational efficiency for hospitality businesses.
Speaking further on the industry’s growth trajectory, Sunday expressed optimism about the future of hospitality in Nigeria and across Africa.
“When you look at the Nigerian hospitality landscape today, you can clearly see remarkable progress in areas such as manpower development, service delivery, and culinary excellence. Lagos, for instance, hosts several leading international hospitality brands, reflecting the significant growth taking place within the sector.
“Local brands are also making remarkable strides. Africa is steadily redefining its tourism and hospitality narrative by embracing its culture, heritage, and indigenous cuisine as key drivers of global appeal.”
As Africa’s tourism industry continues to evolve, the Hotel Managers Conference Africa aims to remain a strategic platform for innovation, professional development, and service excellence, further reinforcing the continent’s emergence as a formidable force in global hospitality.